Project Troy: The Science of Cold War Psychological Warfare

Overview

• Focus: How U.S. scientists and researchers contributed to Cold War psychological warfare.
• Key Players: A team of researchers working with the CIA.
• Goal: To develop non-military strategies to combat communism.

Historical Context

• Time Period: Late 1940s to early 1950s.
• Term 'Cold War': Initially referred to a type of conflict involving non-military means.
• NSC-68 Document (1950):
  • Described a clash between the U.S. and Soviet Union as a battle between slavery and freedom.
  • Emphasized the importance of political, economic, and psychological strategies over military force.
  • Stated that the Cold War was an actual war crucial for the survival of the free world.

Psychological Warfare

• New Conflict Type: Required the development of psychological weapons.
• U.S. Strategies:
  • Laid foundations for propaganda and covert actions.
  • Avoided direct military interventions initially.

Tactics and Measures

• Marshall Plan: Allocated $13 billion to rebuild Western Europe, aiming to curb communist influence.
• Voice of America: Broadcasted jazz and news to a global audience in 46 languages.
• CIA Actions: Released tens of thousands of balloons with anti-Communist pamphlets over China.

Further Reading and Author

• Author: Audra Wolfe, writer, and science historian.
• Notable Works:
  • Competing With the Soviets: Science, Technology, and the State in Cold War America
  • Freedom's Laboratory: The Cold War Struggle for the Soul of Science

Visuals

• Image 1: Russian announcer in Washington, D.C., translating a Voice of America broadcast in 1954.

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These notes summarize the key points about the role of psychological warfare in the Cold War and the strategic efforts by the United States to counteract Soviet influence through non-military means. The content highlights the significance of propaganda and psychological tactics during this period.